Bunk beds in a future 'sleep module' installed in the holds of the Airbus A330.
The world of aeronautics never ceases in its efforts to improve the flight experience for passengers – okay, the almost vertical seats for short trips that the Italian furniture company Aviointeriors has just introduced may not serve as an example – but we love to discover prototypes such as the one devised by Airbus together with the company Zodiac Aerospace: 'sleep modules' to be implemented in 2020 in the cargo holds of the A-330 model (they are studying to do it later in the A-350 XWB) .
These new passenger modules, which will have open spaces and bunk beds for a better rest during long-distance flights, They will go on the lower deck of the aircraft and will be easily interchangeable with the usual cargo containers already present in the A-330 aircraft of the European company Airbus.
Regarding this innovative system, which was presented at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, the director of the Airbus Cabin & Cargo Program, Geoff Pinner, says he has already heard positive comments from several airlines and assures that "This new focus on commercial flights represents a radical change towards passenger comfort and a new experience that will add differentiating value to airlines".
The 'sleep modules' may also be medical and play areas.
In the models presented jointly by both companies, other alternative uses that these passenger modules could have have also been disclosed: from living as a medical office to dedicating itself to a conference area, passing through a lounge-type space where travelers can relax and have a drink in comfort.
And why not have a wide playground with slides included ? It would be the dream of any child, but much more so for those parents who have to make an intercontinental flight – between eight and 14 hours – together with (restless) minors.
This catalog of solutions, initially certified for 2020 in the A330 model, will mean a modernization in commercial flights and is the result of the Airbus and Zodiac Aerospace experience in the production and integration of rest facilities for crews in the cargo hold, as recalled by Christophe Bernardini, CEO of Zodiac Aerospace Cabin Branch: "We are delighted to be working with Airbus on this innovative new project, which reaffirms our expertise in lower deck solutions. An enhanced experience for passengers passengers is today a key and differentiating element for airlines".
Relaxation or conference areas may also be installed in the cargo hold of the aircraft.